Money piece hair is in vogue. Fashionistas can’t seem to get enough of their invigorating power. Let’s check out the latest variations of this trend and choose something for your next visit to the salon. What is it? These highlights are a type of balayage that involves making the front stripes of hair on both sides of your face brighter than the rest of your hair.
What is a money piece and why it works
Money pieces are a face-framing highlight method designed to brighten the skin and add dimension without a full-color overhaul. The technique focuses on coloring strands near the face, creating a pop that enhances features while maintaining the rest of the hair’s natural look. The result is a low-maintenance, high-impact update suitable for various hair colors and textures.
Dark brown money piece variations to consider
- Dark Brown with Bronde near the Face. A subtle blend of brown and blonde that brightens the front while staying cohesive with a brunette base.
- Natural-Looking ‘Sun-Kissed’ Locks. Soft, seamless highlights that mimic the glow of sun exposure for a natural finish.
- Stunning Highlighted Bangs. Face-framing emphasis through highlighted bangs that lift the entire complexion.
- High-Contrast Blonde on Dark Locks. A bold splash of light against deep brown for dramatic contrast.
- Layered Beach-Style Mane. A V-shaped crop and sliced highlights give movement and a carefree vibe.
- Luminous Bronde against Deep Brown. Lightened waves near the face without a full color transformation.
- Metallic Blonde Strips. Bright ribbons along the face that intensify toward the ends for shine and momentum.
- Caramel Highlights for Chocolate Brown Base. Warmth that complements a rich brown base with natural depth.
- Champagne Blonde for Light Brown. A lighter champagne hue that blends beautifully with brown tones.
- Auburn on Mocha Brown Locks. Red-tinted gloss and light auburn face-framing lines add glow to the skin.
- Delicate Bronde Lob. Face-framing pieces work beautifully on shoulder-length bobs with fringe.
- Toffee Brown Contouring. Ribbons that sculpt the face and slim the facial contour while brightening the frame.
- Blonde Highlights with Face-Framing. Classic blonde framing remains trendy and versatile.
- Side-Parted Coif with Highlights. Front streaks placed with any parting for extra dimension and glamor.
- Chunky Blonde Highs. Bold, chunky sections that stand out against dark roots.
- Neck-Length Highlighted Brown Crop. Shorter brunettes can still enjoy impactful face-framing color.
- Purple Face-Framing and Underlights. High-contrast, fashion-forward shades for a statement look.
- Earthy Brunette with Sparkling Ribbons. Natural browns with light-reflective front highlights.
- Honey Blonde for Brunettes. Subtle warmth that lifts without dominating the base color.
- High-Contrast Face-Framing. Cooler tones around the face to counter warm complexions and brighten skin.
- Striking White Face Framing. Icy white highlights on auburn base for a bold, editorial feel.
- Lived-In Blonde with Chunky Front Ribbons. Effortless texture with bright front pieces.
- Highlighted Layered Straight Dark Brown Locks. Structured layers that emphasize the money piece effect.
- Bronde Highs and Lows. Harmonious mix of light and dark tones around the face.
- Platinum Blonde Face Framing for Bronde. A bright, high-contrast option for brunettes with lighter undertones.
- Discreet Caramel Ribbons. Soft warmth that complements cool complexions and blends with both base tones.
We believe you have ticked down one or two color ideas. Hair color trends come and go with every passing season, but the desire for low-maintenance hair is seasonless. One effortless hair color trend that has been in and out of the scene since the ‘90s is the dark brown money piece highlighting technique, in which a colorist adds an accent of color to the hair that directly frames the face. “The money piece trend is a way to accentuate the face and frame the perimeter with a pop of color,” shares Robert Siebert, VP of Educations for Aloxxi. If you’re in need of a seasonal update but shy away from all-over color salon visits, money piece highlights are the perfect solution. The 2022 version works on every hair hue, from warm blondes to moody brunettes and blacks, and although the look is best known for utilizing blonde highlights, present day iterations have redefined the trend to include as many colors as the heart desires. You can either opt for ultra-fine silvery highlights, go bold with neon colors, or have a classic streak of chunky blonde - it’s completely customizable. And as for the upkeep, it’s entirely up to you whether you want to maintain the highlight with gloss treatments every eight weeks, or let it naturally transition into the rest of your hair as it grows out. But no matter what color you go for, or hairstyle you wear, you are guaranteed to stand out with the face-framing money piece trend.
Ahead, experts shared favorite iterations and maintenance tips. Sunset Fever: consider your skin undertones and natural hair tones before deciding on sunset-inspired money pieces to flatter and complement your skin tone. Faint Gold: subtlety near the face works across hair types; thickness of the money piece may vary with density. Silver Power: bold yet wearable, suitable for all textures with a mix of weaves, slices, and chunky highlights. Green With Envy: bold greens and blues as money pieces require regular refreshes and color care products. Honey Highlight: subtle beach glow that blends with natural color; heat protection is essential for styling. Mushroom Brown: cooler neutral money pieces, often seen on celebrities who trade in allover highlights for a face-framing pop. Lived-In Blonde: the classic origin of the trend with strategies for maintaining brightness. Reddish Golden Brown: lighter front pieces for brunettes, ensuring natural-looking contrast. Subtle variations like Bronde Lob, Toffee Brown Contouring, and Beige Blonde Balayage offer nuanced options for different skin tones.
To get money pieces, you can visit a professional at a salon or use a highlighting kit at home. Part your hair as you usually do, decide if you want to brighten both sides or just one, and choose how big you want the highlights to be. Lighten the chosen strands with a bleach mixture, then rinse and treat as directed. After bleaching, you may want to use a toner or gloss to neutralize brassiness and achieve an ashier finish. For many, money pieces are a low-maintenance boost that can be paired with balayage for added depth. If you opt for a more conservative look, pick a shade close to your base color; for bolder experiments, neon or fashion colors can be integrated. A tousled updo with face-framing pieces left out is a fantastic option to showcase your money piece(s).
For color maintenance, choose color-safe products and consider a structured routine. The following care recommendations are commonly cited by colorists: use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners, apply pre-shampoo treatments to strengthen bonds, and consider purple toning if you have blonde-toned pieces to preserve an ashier finish. If you’re seeking inspiration, explore varied photos to decide which face-framing look best suits your features and lifestyle.
Practical tips for choosing and maintaining money pieces
- Base color matters: the money piece should complement your natural undertone to avoid clashes.
- Thickness and placement depend on hair type: finer hair may require thinner pieces for visibility; curly textures may benefit from more substantial panels.
- Texture and length influence the look: short bobs can carry face-framing ribbons, while long locks allow sweeping, dramatic slices.
- Maintenance is flexible: gloss treatments every eight weeks or letting color fade naturally are both viable paths.
- Consider at-home kits if you prefer DIY: follow kit instructions carefully and maintain strict hygiene and timing guidelines.
The Perfect Money Piece with @MirellaManelli | Kenra Professional
To summarize, it’s really all up to you. If you aren’t sure which direction to go in, look at lots of inspiration photos and find plenty of ideas. An updated hair color deserves a new hairstyle to match. A tousled updo or a sleek style can beautifully show off your money piece(s).
Notes from professionals
Sunset-inspired money pieces, subtle gold highlights, and bold, neon-adjacent hues are part of the evolving palette. The essential principle remains the same: place lighter strands around the face to illuminate features, while keeping the rest of the hair cohesive with your base color.